Folhadal Hidden Treasures Running Tour offers an 11-mile journey through Madeira’s Laurisilva forests, a UNESCO-protected ecosystem. This moderate-level excursion includes an ascent of hundreds of steps and a chance to traverse a historic levada. With up to 6 travelers, the tour provides personal liability insurance, headlamps, and complimentary photos. For those in good physical condition, this exhilarating experience promises breathtaking panoramic views and a memorable exploration of Madeira’s natural wonders.
Key Points
- An 11-mile (18-kilometer) guided running tour through the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forests of Madeira, Portugal, offering panoramic mountain views.
- Suitable for moderately fit travelers, with an ascent of hundreds of steps and traversal of narrow tunnels.
- Departs from Funchal with pickup from accommodations or a designated meeting point, starting promptly at 9:00 AM.
- Includes personal accident and liability insurance, a headlamp, and complimentary photos for a comprehensive and safe experience.
- Not recommended for travelers with claustrophobia or serious medical conditions, as the tour involves traversing narrow spaces.
Tour Overview
The Folhadal Hidden Treasures Running Tour is a 11-mile (18-kilometer) excursion through Madeira’s stunning Laurisilva forests.
Based in Funchal, Portugal, this 5-star-rated tour takes a maximum of 6 travelers on an immersive adventure.
Priced from $64.23 per person, the tour includes pickup, personal and liability insurance, and a headlamp.
Runners will ascend hundreds of steps for panoramic mountain views and run along a historic levada, or water channel.
The tour is suitable for those with moderate fitness, but not recommended for travelers with heart conditions or claustrophobia due to tunnels.
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Activity Details
Runners on the Folhadal Hidden Treasures Running Tour will explore Madeira’s UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forests, a unique ecosystem teeming with lush vegetation.
They’ll run along a levada, a historic water channel that winds through the landscape. The tour also includes an ascent of hundreds of steps, rewarding runners with panoramic mountain views.
This moderate-level tour immerses participants in Madeira’s natural wonders. The experience is available as a small group or private tour.
Participants should have a moderate fitness level, as the terrain and elevation changes can be challenging. It’s not recommended for those with heart conditions or claustrophobia.
Meeting and Pickup
Where can participants meet for the Folhadal Hidden Treasures Running Tour?
The tour pickup is available from Funchal accommodations or a designated meeting point.
The meeting point is at the Pestana CR7 Funchal, located at Praça CR7, Av. Sá Carneiro, São Martinho, 9000-017 Funchal, Portugal.
The tour starts promptly at 9:00 AM, so participants should confirm the pickup time with the local provider.
The activity concludes back at the meeting point.
Participants should plan to arrive a few minutes early to ensure a punctual departure for the 11-mile running adventure.
What’s Included
The Folhadal Hidden Treasures Running Tour includes personal accidents and liability insurance, a headlamp, and complimentary photos. The tour’s inclusions are designed to ensure a safe and memorable experience for participants.
Some key inclusions are:
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Personal Accidents Insurance
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Liability Insurance
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Headlamp
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Photos
Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for travelers.
The comprehensive package allows participants to focus on enjoying the stunning Laurisilva forests and panoramic mountain views during the 18-kilometer running tour.
Physical Requirements
Although the Folhadal Hidden Treasures Running Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Madeira’s scenic landscapes, it requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
Participants should be able to cover 11 miles (18 km) of running and hiking through varied terrain, including ascending hundreds of steps.
The tour also involves traversing narrow tunnels, which may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia.
Travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions are advised against joining this tour.
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Safety Considerations
Participants on the Folhadal Hidden Treasures Running Tour must consider several important safety aspects.
The trail includes tunnels, so claustrophobic travelers should avoid this tour. Those with heart problems or serious medical conditions are also advised against joining.
The ascent involves hundreds of steps, so a moderate fitness level is required. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
To stay safe, runners will be provided with a headlamp. Plus, personal accident and liability insurance are included.
Runners will be provided with a headlamp, and personal accident and liability insurance are included for safety on the tour.
Lastly, it’s crucial to follow the guide’s instructions throughout the tour for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Tour Operator and Booking
Madeira Trail Tours, the operator of the Folhadal Hidden Treasures Running Tour, offers a seamless booking process for interested travelers.
Pickup is available from Funchal accommodations or the designated meeting point at the Pestana CR7 Funchal hotel. The tour starts promptly at 9:00 AM, so it’s best to confirm the pickup time with the local provider.
Participants will receive personal accident and liability insurance, a headlamp, and free photos as part of the tour package.
With a maximum group size of 6 travelers, the experience can also be booked as a private tour.
Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour begins.
Exploring Madeira’s Laurisilva Forests
As runners ascend through the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forests, they’ll be immersed in Madeira’s unique ecosystem.
These ancient laurel forests are known for their:
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Lush, verdant canopy
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Diverse flora and fauna
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Cascading levada (water channels)
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Striking mountain views
Runners will traverse a levada, crossing numerous steps carved into the hillside.
Traversing a levada, runners will cross numerous steps carved into the hillside, an immersive and rewarding experience.
This strenuous yet rewarding experience offers a glimpse into Madeira’s natural wonders, from the rich biodiversity to the island’s dramatic landscapes.
Traversing the Laurisilva forests promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts seeking an immersive running experience.
The Sum Up
The Folhadal Hidden Treasures Running Tour offers a moderate-level excursion through Madeira’s stunning Laurisilva forests. With a maximum of 6 travelers, this tour provides personal liability insurance, headlamps, and complimentary photos, ensuring a memorable experience for those in good physical condition. Safety is a top priority, making it an ideal way to explore the UNESCO-recognized ecosystem.
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